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The Recanonization of the Zohar in the Modern Era
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This chapter reflects on the re-evaluation of the Zohar at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Under the influence of Jewish national and neo-Romantic trends, the book regained somewhat its old status, although the scholars who called for its recanonization insisted on its purely historical importance, denying its sacredness or divine authority. Rather, they emphasized its unique literary value and the central role it had played in Jewish national history. Many groups now engage in the study, commentary, and dissemination of the Zohar and compete for control of the cultural capital it represents. The application of new methods of study and circulation has also expanded its accessibility. All of these changes mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Zohar.
Title: The Recanonization of the Zohar in the Modern Era
Description:
This chapter reflects on the re-evaluation of the Zohar at the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
Under the influence of Jewish national and neo-Romantic trends, the book regained somewhat its old status, although the scholars who called for its recanonization insisted on its purely historical importance, denying its sacredness or divine authority.
Rather, they emphasized its unique literary value and the central role it had played in Jewish national history.
Many groups now engage in the study, commentary, and dissemination of the Zohar and compete for control of the cultural capital it represents.
The application of new methods of study and circulation has also expanded its accessibility.
All of these changes mark the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Zohar.
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